Last summer, my neighbor installed solar panels. Meanwhile, my cousin just bought a solar-powered phone charger for road trips. It made me realize one thing!
SOLAR ENERGY IS EVERYWHERE!
Many people are using solar energy in ways we don’t even notice. This article will answer the question, “How is solar energy used in everyday life?” You might be surprised to learn just how much we already depend on it.
Part 1- What are the Uses of Solar Energy in Everyday Life?
Solar energy is everywhere. Some people use it to generate electricity for homes and heating water. Others use solar panels for outdoor lights, charging devices, and cooking ovens. Let’s dive in:
1. Solar Energy for Home Electricity
Let’s go back a few decades in time. At this point, running an entire home on sunlight is entirely unrealistic.
But today, millions of households rely on solar panels for electricity. In fact, Statista says that solar energy is expected to be the world's largest source of electricity by 2050.
Special photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are devised on the rooftop. These cells convert sunlight into electricity. Then, the generated electricity can be stored in batteries or used directly using solar inverters.
Benefits
- Saving Money: It reduces or even eliminates the electricity bills for homeowners.
- Lower Environmental Impact: Generating electricity from Solar Panels produces no environmental pollutants.
- Energy Independence: Solar power can free you from depending on power grids and utility companies.
- Increased Property Value: Homes with solar panel systems have much higher resale values.
- Minimal Maintenance: The main task for you is just occasional cleaning.
2. Solar Water Heating Systems
If we keep things simple, solar energy can be directly used to heat water. Solar water heating systems contain thermal collectors. These collectors contain a dark surface that heats up when exposed to the sun. After that, the collected heat is transferred to a fluid. This fluid can be water itself or some specific transfer fluid. Either way, the fluid circulates in the system and heats the water tank.
You can use the warm water for domestic purposes like showering, laundry, and washing dishes. Solar Water Heating Systems:
- Reduces electricity bills significantly.
- Decreases reliance on gas or electric water heaters.
- Are environmentally friendly.
Types of Solar Water Heating Systems
Active Systems: This system uses a pump to push the fluid in the pipes heated by the sun. The fluid then goes to the water tank to heat the water. It’s more powerful and works even in cold environments.
Passive Systems: This system doesn't use pumps. Instead, it relies on the fact that hot water naturally rises. The sun heats water in collectors, naturally moving up into your hot water tank. On the other hand, the more incredible water sinks to get heated. However, it’s less potent than an active system.
3. Solar-Powered Outdoor Lighting
Every place in the world uses light bulbs. Solar-powered lighting system automates all the outdoor lights. You can use it with streetlights, garden lights, and security lights.
This system also uses photovoltaic (PV) panels. During the day, the system uses these panels to absorb sunlight and charge a rechargeable battery. When the sun sets, a sensor automatically turns the light on. The light bulb draws power from the battery throughout the night.
Benefits
- Energy Savings: Solar-powered outdoor lightings eliminate electricity costs.
- No Wiring Needed: There's no need for trenching or running electrical wires.
- Eco-Friendly: They reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
- Improved Home Security: Motion-sensor solar security lights automatically illuminate areas when movement is detected.
4. Portable Solar Charging for Devices
The whole world is now dependent on electrical devices like mobile phones and laptops. No one can deny this fact. However, the problem is that these devices depend on charging power outlets.
Solar energy can get rid of this. Portable solar chargers use small solar panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity. This electricity can then charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics.
Benefits
You can use portable solar chargers for:
- Camping and hiking trips.
- Travel and outdoor adventures.
- Emergency preparedness kits.
- Off-grid living and remote work situations.
5. Solar Cooking & Solar Ovens
Solar energy has already set foot in our kitchens. It gives us an innovative way to prepare food using just the power of direct sunlight.
Solar-powered cooking devices concentrate sunlight on a cooking area. It generates heat that can function as an oven or stove.
There are several types of solar cookers. For example:
- Parabolic Cookers use a parabolic dish to concentrate sunlight onto a central point.
- Box Cookers are insulated boxes with a reflective lid to direct sunlight into the box.
- Panel Cookers use flat reflective panels. It directs sunlight on a cooking pot enclosed in a container.
Benefits
- No fuel is required for cooking.
- Reduces deforestation by decreasing the need for firewood.
- Ideal for use in off-grid areas with abundant sunshine.
- Produces no smoke or harmful emissions.
6. Natural Heating and Cooling With Solar
There’s a term known as Passive Solar Design. The term might seem complicated, but the principle behind it is simple. We make buildings in a way that can use the sun's natural energy for heating and cooling. We must carefully select the building orientation, materials, and architectural features. The goal is to maximize the use of sunlight for heating during the winter months and to minimize heat gain during the summer.
Benefits
- Concrete, brick, or stone can absorb and store solar heat during the day. These materials then release this heat gradually at night.
- Properly designed roof overhangs can block high-angle summer sun. On the other hand, it allows low-angle winter sun to penetrate windows.
- Adequate insulation in walls, roofs, and foundations is made. They retain heat in winter and keep heat out in summer.
- Air leaks are minimized to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
7. Solar-Powered Vehicles
This use of solar power was only possible after the invention of electric vehicles. Anything that runs on electricity can be easily powered by solar.
However, we have not reached a point where vehicles become fully powered by solar. Still, solar carports have been installed in many areas of the world. They are parking structures fitted with solar panels to charge EVs parked beneath them. Similarly, public charging stations are being developed using solar energy.
Beyond these minor actions, there's also significant progress in experimental solar-powered vehicles. These vehicles integrate solar panels directly onto their surfaces to capture solar energy.
8. Wearable Solar Technology
Solar energy can easily power small gadgets like watches, fitness trackers, and hearing aids. For this purpose, tiny solar panels are incorporated into these devices. They capture ambient light and convert it into electricity. The generated energy continuously charges the device's battery.
Now, scientists are inclined toward adding solar systems to the clothes. It will make solar clothes that will charge your small devices. However, it’s still only at the experimental level.
Benefits
- Reduces the need to plug in devices for charging.
- Wearables operate longer between full charges.
So, if anyone asks, “How is solar energy used in our everyday lives,” don’t stand silently there. Tell them all these fantastic uses of solar energy.
Part 2- Environmental Impact of eufy Solar-Powered Security Cameras
Home security is another sector where solar energy is making a remarkable impact. eufy is a popular brand of smart home appliances. It has made a significant mark in the home security industry with solar-powered security cameras.
Key Features of Eufy's Solar Security Cameras:
- eufy solar cameras are battery-powered and connect wirelessly.
- These cameras can maintain their charge using sunlight.
- eufy solar cameras give high-definition 2k - 4k video resolution.
- Many innovative features include motion detection, person/pet detection, customizable activity zones, and night vision.
- They are compatible with HomeBase, which provides local storage options.
- All the cameras are built to withstand various weather conditions.
Let’s show you two popular eufy security cameras.
● eufyCam S3 Pro: Best Night Vision Solar Camera
The eufyCam S3 Pro 2 Cam Kit + 1TB contains two wire-free cameras. These high-quality cameras give 4K resolution and deliver amazing color night vision that excels other brands.
You also get HomeBase 3 with 1TB of local storage. Another interesting thing is that the device uses BionicMind AI to recognize faces and reduce false alerts.
● soloCam S340: Best PTZ Solar Camera
The soloCam S340 is a standalone camera. It combines 3K resolution with 360° pan and tilt coverage. There’s also a built-in spotlight and color night vision for low-light conditions.
How eufy’s Solar-Powered Cameras Have Reduced Carbon Emissions in 2024.
In 2024 alone, the widespread use of eufy solar cameras has led to a notable reduction in carbon emissions. To put this into numbers, the carbon emissions avoided are equivalent to either:
- The amount absorbed by 4,043 mature oak trees working tirelessly in New York City’s Central Park.
- Taking around 7,000 high-emission vehicles off the iconic Route 66
- Offsetting the carbon footprint from charging 38,827 of the latest iPhone 16 models for an entire year.
Conclusion
How is solar energy used in our everyday lives? You now have an answer to this question. We have shown you eight different uses of solar energy in detail. From heating water to powering portable devices, the benefits are clear.
Other than that, the eufy solar-powered cameras also use this energy to improve your home security.
FAQs
How to Determine If a House is Suitable for Solar Panel Installation?
First of all, any house is suitable for solar panel installation. It’s just that some houses reap maximum benefits while others are not suitable for full solar panel efficiency.
The factors that matter the most are the conditions of your roof. For example, the roof’s orientation, angle, or shading from trees determine how much solar panels will work. It's also important to consider your average energy consumption and local climate. If you want a detailed and accurate estimate, get a professional to assess your home.
What are the Most Innovative Uses of Solar Energy in Modern Technology?
Everyone knows about generating electricity with solar energy. However, there are many other innovative uses of solar energy. Modern technology uses solar energy to power smartwatches, outdoor lights, cooking devices, and even security cameras. To take it one step further, scientists are experimenting with vehicles that run entirely on solar power.
What are the Long-Term Cost Benefits of Solar Energy?
If you shift to solar energy right now, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of electricity usage in daily appliances. Also, generating electricity with solar panels reduces the monthly bills. After some years, a time will come when you’ll enjoy free electricity. Moreover, increasing the resale value of a house that uses solar-powered appliances is also a great advantage.